France coach Didier Deschamps’ trust in Randal Kolo Muani was rewarded as the striker’s double led his side to a 2-1 victory over Belgium in their Nations League A Group 2 clash on Monday, securing a spot in the quarter-finals.
Kolo Muani netted a penalty and a second-half header as France held off the lively home side, despite playing with 10 men after a second booking for captain Aurelien Tchouameni.
Kolo Muani has been a rare starter for Paris Saint-Germain this season, but has been in excellent form for France, scoring four goals in as many games.
“He’s interesting, he’s radiant,” Deschamps told TF1. “He is confident and has a very specific profile where in his runs with the ball there is presence. He is a good header and with us he is very often successful.”
Belgium dominated the opening exchanges and would have opened the scoring if Youri Tielemans’ free-kick was not saved by France goalkeeper Steve Mandanda. However, France took control of the game in the second half and Kolo Muani’s goals secured the win for the visitors.
The victory means France have qualified for the quarter-finals of the Nations League, where they will face either Italy or Spain.